Campus Map & Tour

Terry Simmons

The multi-billion dollar tourism industry needs well qualified people who can succeed in a highly competitive environment. As a long time educator at Central, Dr. Terry Simmons, professor emeritus of recreation and tourism, contributed to preparing graduates ready to meet this need.

For 26 years, Dr. Simmons was a faculty member in the Department of Recreation and Tourism, serving from 1982 to 2000 as program coordinator. He also coordinated the recreation graduate program for 14 years and spent 18 years coordinating the recreation and tourism internship program.

Dr. Simmons earned his bachelor’s degree at Truman State University, his master’s degree at the University of Wyoming, and his doctorate at the University of Utah.

In addition to his role in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of more than 500 students in recreation and tourism, he is proud of accomplishments such as planning, organizing and implementing the Bachelor of Science in Tourism degree program. It is one of only five in the United States and the only such program in the Midwest. He brought an international emphasis to this program.

Dr. Simmons served on numerous committees, including the College of Education and Human Services Promotion and Tenure Committee, Student Affairs Committee, and the Faculty Governance Committee, of which he was President.